You influence others, whether you like it or not. Charles Barkley once said “I am not a role model. I am paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court. Parents should be role models. Just because I dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids.” Frustrated at others' expectations for him to be a positive role model, Barkley denies that others are influenced by him. Denial does not negate the truth that you do affect the lives of those around you. One simple definition of leadership is influence. That means that you are leader, because you influence others. How now shall you live? Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Go shine in Jesus' name!

Here are some thoughts about leadership and influence, taken from J. Oswald Sanders' book Spiritual Leadership:

"Desiring to be great is not a sin. It is motivation that determines ambition's character. Jesus never said “Do not desire to be great in God's kingdom,” but He did instruct us to be servants. Only once in the New Testament did Jesus say that he was going to do something as an example, and then he washed their feet... The quality of your leadership depends on what happens during time. The character and career of a young person depends on how he or she spends spare time. Leisure is a glorious opportunity and a subtle danger. Minutes and hours wisely used translate into an abundant life."

God makes all things beautiful in His time. Imagine if every member and attender of FJMC was completely surrendered to the Will of the Father, and unreservedly committed to bringing glory to His name. Just think what influence that would have on others! Or what if just five people received God's vision for saving souls for the kingdom? What could that do for the kingdom, and how would that passion influence other believers to be soul-winners for Jesus? Or try this dream out. What if just ten people at FJMC developed a passion to lead mentoring groups to disciple younger people and new believers, and began walking into that vision with a realization that this was God's calling?

Your choices affect the direction of your life, influence the lives of your friends, and can even change the spirit of the local church to which you are affiliated. You are a person of influence right where you are! What is your mission? How are you leading? Whose signals are you listening to?

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A Faith That Works

For the past few years, I have occasionally written articles under the heading "A Faith That Works", for our congregation. These are mostly related to practical Christianity. Recently, we have merged them into blog format. Feel free to read and respond at your discretion. May God direct you to love Him and to love others! Rich Schwartz